“We appreciate the significance of the government considering
other approaches, but this is not a good option,” said Daniel
R. Patterson, CBD Desert Ecologist. “The bottom line is the
government still has not shown solid evidence that these cougars
are a threat to anyone, and they haven’t tried other options
such as trail restrictions, high-risk area closures and hazing. We
are encouraged that we’re getting closer to a solution, but
we urge Game & Fish try options that will allow the cougars to
stay in their Santa Catalina Mountains habitat.”

Friday there will be public forum on the Sabino Canyon cougar issue
at 11am downtown Tucson at the Pima County Board of Supervisors meeting
room, 130 W. Congress. Citizens will protest in support of saving
cougars Saturday morning at the Sabino Canyon parking lot, with a
rally starting at 11am.

Government officials have no evidence that lions in Sabino Canyon
are likely to attack humans. A March 12 AGFD report obtained by CBD
showed only 1 of 36 (2.8%) reported potential lion sightings in or
near Sabino Canyon confirmed since 2002, and only 3 of 36 (8.3%)
as possibly confirmed. This report does not confirm recent stalking
of humans by lions, as has been claimed by officials. Recent alleged
sightings reported on TV news are unconfirmed, and biologists know
that most lion sighting reports are inaccurate.

“We will get houndsmen to come out and track the lion to its
day bed or denning area, then chase the lion out of the vicinity.
Typically, that works pretty well. The lion won’t come back
after harassing behavior.” said Steve Nadeau of Idaho Fish & Game,
in the Arizona Daily Star, March 11.

Governor Janet Napolitano, Congressman Raul Grijalva, 27 state lawmakers
and others have joined a huge public outcry against the Sabino Canyon
puma hunt.

“Even if these cougars are moved, they may die, and more will
then move in to the area. With this approach, its likely future cougars
will suffer the same fate,” says Patterson. “If the government
succeeds, Sabino Canyon will change from some of Tucson’s best
lion habitat to a trap. Sabino Canyon is a wild area, not a city
park or Disneyland, and it shouldn’t be managed this way. This
is not a long-term solution."

Environmentalists point out that if left alone, pumas pushed in
to area by the Aspen fire may soon move up the canyon and away from
people due to warmer weather. A legal settlement reached last week
showed AGFD and USFS killed cougars before without evidence or exploring
other options or causes of conflicts.

Sabino Canyon is a controversial fee-demo area,
and the Coronado National Forest benefits financially from its
maximum use by people.